Winners, losers in Tagliabue decision?

Roger Goodell was both the biggest loser and winner in Paul Tagliabue's bounty scandal ruling. Goodell's credibility has taken a huge hit over the course of this ordeal, and having his predecessor correct him in such a public forum has to be a blow to the ego.

But Tagliabue did Goodell a huge favor too. By affirming the factual findings of the investigation, essentially siding with Goodell at every turn, Tagliabue did nothing to strengthen the legal arguments of the (formerly) suspended players, the coaches, or anyone who might continue to pursue this case.

A judge could still rule differently, but it carries weight that Tagliabue, an ostensibly impartial arbiter, finds the pay-to-injure evidence compelling.

Gregg Williams had to hate what he read from Paul Tagliabue this week. The former commissioner's ruling put the blame for the bounty scandal on the Saints coaching staff, and specifically on Williams. It could affect Williams' ability to return to the league as a coach.

The ruling also hurts Sean Payton's image, but Payton will be back coaching the Saints next season and making people forget about his involvement.

Three players came out of this smelling pretty sweet, as Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith and Anthony Hargrove had their suspensions lifted. But the biggest winner was Scott Fujita, the linebacker who was exonerated by Tagliabue. The ruling suggested these players were merely following orders.